Kia Rondo

Motor Trend's front web page has a nice summary of a Kia Rondo long term test, including this quote, "The Rondo is an interesting combination of ample power, mundane styling, questionable interior aesthetics, and excellent functionality."- Kirill Ougarov.

I was impressed with the Rondo and underwhelmed with the Mazda 5 that I drove. My wife liked the functionality of the Kia, but ultimately wanted a sedan. I still love hatchbacks and the Rondo is a great midsize hatchback.

(I know you can be overwhelmed or underwhelmed, but can you just be whelmed? I think you can in Europe.)

With the Chevy Orlando due soon (finances permitting) and other new entrants, how do you guys think the Rondo is doing in opening a space for a small tall wagon with a third row? Are people buying the concept so the market will grow, or will the market for such cars just be sliced thinner among the additional competitors? What do you think of the Rondo?
__________________Ford -- Drive One.

That's cool, my co-worker just narrowed down her choice between a Sportage and a Rondo, she got the Sportage because she thought the styling on the Rondo was a little too "out there" which is funny considering Kirill said its styling is mundane.
________________________________

I find the Rhondo to be kind of quirky in the styling department. Not offensive just that you don't, well I don't, see too many on the road
--------------------1984 Mazda RX-7, 1995 Land Rover Defender, 2004 Volvo XC-70, 2012 Ford Raptor, 2012 Audi S5 Convertible, & 2013 Lincoln Navigator L --------------------Be the change that you wish to see in the world

I really like the Rondo, Its practical and a good choice for familys.I just wish it had more power and that it had some trick storage options like the Fit or Ridgeline.
--------------------Chritianity is NOT a religion It's a relationshipwith God

Jeremy Clarkson-Did you see what the physics lesson(Veyron) did to your pantomime dame(Zonda F) ?

Hey when I was in dallas on business that's all they had were Crown Vics, or Grand marquis whatever. Lil me piloting that big assed car around Dallas. Only good thing was the truck that you could host an orgy in. Well, good for me because of all my luggage fit!LOL
--------------------1984 Mazda RX-7, 1995 Land Rover Defender, 2004 Volvo XC-70, 2012 Ford Raptor, 2012 Audi S5 Convertible, & 2013 Lincoln Navigator L --------------------Be the change that you wish to see in the world

I love utility vehicles. Though I prefer the Mazda 5 over the Rondo, I appreciate what Kia has brought to the market. Modern minivans are no longer "mini" and some people just don't like big vehicles. The 5, Rondo and "Orlando" appeal to me because they offer most of the room that a small family needs. For a primary vehicle I like something like a Tahoe, but as a second car one of these mini minivans fits the bill just fine.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::Live as how the world should be, so that it sees what it can be.

"You want to explain why you were going 61 in a 25 zone?""I was drag racing.""In a Prius?""I don't win alot."

wht azn:I love utility vehicles. Though I prefer the Mazda 5 over the Rio, I appreciate what Kia has brought to the market. Modern minivans are no longer "mini" and some people just don't like big vehicles. The 5, Rio and "Orlando" appeal to me because they offer most of the room that a small family needs. For a primary vehicle I like something like a Tahoe, but as a second car one of these mini minivans fits the bill just fine.

I think the 5 looks better but I root for the Rondo cause its a underdog of sorts.

There are ways to improve it though. Lets hope Kia catchs on.
--------------------Chritianity is NOT a religion It's a relationshipwith God

Jeremy Clarkson-Did you see what the physics lesson(Veyron) did to your pantomime dame(Zonda F) ?

^^^ I found the 5 to be more engaging to drive, but the extra grunt that the Rondo's V6 had was pretty nice. Styling between the two is pretty much a wash for me. I'd love to see either a Mazdaspeed 5 (C'mon Mazda. Do it!) or a Rondo with a better suspension. I don't think you can go wrong with either one.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::Live as how the world should be, so that it sees what it can be.

"You want to explain why you were going 61 in a 25 zone?""I was drag racing.""In a Prius?""I don't win alot."

wht azn:^^^ I found the 5 to be more engaging to drive, but the extra grunt that the Rondo's V6 had was pretty nice. Styling between the two is pretty much a wash for me. I'd love to see either a Mazdaspeed 5 (C'mon Mazda. Do it!) or a Rondo with a better suspension. I don't think you can go wrong with either one.

Some college kids implanted a Speed3s engine and gearbox into a 5 and turned it into a Speed5.It was pretty cool.

If Kia would add more storage and slightly more power then the Rondo would awsome.Imagine a Rondo with fit style magic seats or stuff like that.
--------------------Chritianity is NOT a religion It's a relationshipwith God

Jeremy Clarkson-Did you see what the physics lesson(Veyron) did to your pantomime dame(Zonda F) ?

Agreed. The cargo area for both behind the second row in both the 5 and Rondo isn't that much more than than in a midzise CUV. With no AWD there's plenty of room for a larger "well" area to fold the third row into and create more cargo room.

You know, now that I'm thinking about it, as a subsidiary of Hyundai, I'd love to see Kia drop the Genesis Coupe's turbo four into the Rondo. That would be a sweet urban runabout.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::Live as how the world should be, so that it sees what it can be.

"You want to explain why you were going 61 in a 25 zone?""I was drag racing.""In a Prius?""I don't win alot."